Diego Maradona tipped for Real Madrid job before move to frustrate Manchester United
MANCHESTER UNITED'S plans to sign Neymar this summer could be dashed if Diego Maradona is appointed Real Madrid's new manager, according to sensational reports in Spain.
Barcelona are trying to lock the striker down to a new contract but talks have reportedly been pushed back until the end of the season.
And Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo claim Real could swoop in for the player if Maradona arrives at the Bernabeu.
It is claimed the 23-year-old would be more willing to play under fellow South American Maradona than France legend Zinedine Zidane.
The former Barcelona striker took Argentina to the 2010 World Cup, where they crashed out in the quarter-finals to Germany 4-0.
This week Maradona admitted his dream of coaching former club Boca Juniors was over after the Brazilian side appointed Guillermo Barros Schelotto as their new coach.
"With this appointment my dream of coaching Boca is through, I am already 56-years-old, he told Fox Sports.
"I hope that Melli [Barros Schelotto] stays at Boca for 10 years.
"Every time there is a big game I will take a plane to see my beloved Boca and say hello to the Mellizo."
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Real president Florentino Perez has reportedly drawn up a shortlist of candidates to become the new manager this summer.
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